Search area for MH370 verified

Media Release

WT404/2015

03 December 2015

With over 62% of the 120,000 square kilometre search zone for missing Malaysian flight MH 370 now complete in the Indian Ocean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss today provided details of the focus in the remaining search area.

“The Search Strategy Working Group, coordinated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has conducted ongoing examination of available data since the disappearance of flight MH370,” Mr Truss said.

“One element of that ongoing work has been to engage the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to provide expert analysis of available data relating to MH370. That analysis has informed the ATSB's latest report, MH370—Definition of Underwater Search Area Update.

“I would like to acknowledge and publicly thank the highly skilled staff of DSTG who have undertaken this painstaking, methodical and comprehensive work.

“This latest analysis affirms the focus of efforts to date and identifies an area of highest probability of containing the aircraft within the 120,000 square kilometre search zone. To date, more than 75,000 square kilometres of the 120,000 square kilometre search area has been completed.

“Recent commitments by the People's Republic of China to provide funding and equipment, coupled with Malaysia's ongoing financial contributions, will ensure the thorough completion of the remaining 45,000 square kilometres of the search area.

“On completion, a total of 120,000 square kilometres will have been searched, which is consistent with the undertaking given by myself and Ministers from our two partner countries.

“I would like to assure the family and friends of those on board MH 370 that vigorous search efforts are continuing. There will soon be four vessels working in the search area, taking advantage of expected favourable weather conditions.